FEMA urges preparing for winter storm

Officials are cautioning travelers that a spring storm making its way across the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region will bring periods of freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and extremely high winds from Monday evening and into Wednesday.

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LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

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Posted Apr. 9, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Updated Apr 9, 2013 at 12:49 PM

Posted Apr. 9, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Updated Apr 9, 2013 at 12:49 PM

DENVER – Officials are cautioning travelers that a spring storm making its way across the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region will bring periods of freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and extremely high winds from Monday evening and into Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has predicted winter storm conditions of varying intensity throughout the six-state region of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Driving conditions are expected to be difficult, with heavy, wet snow and high winds. People who must travel in affected areas are advised to slow down and drive with extreme caution, and those who are staying home are also urged to make plans for the possible loss of power.

Residents should follow the instructions of state, tribal and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home, and when it is safe, check on neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support. Older adults and individuals who are dependent on life-sustaining medical equipment or assistive devices such as a ventilator or mobility devices may need additional support in areas that have lost power.

Avoid traveling by car, but those who must are urged to have an emergency supply kit in the trunk of their car. FEMA urges families to maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

Those who must travel should take the following steps.

• Wear a seatbelt.

• Travel during the day.

• Drive with headlights on in order to be seen by other motorists from the front and rear.

• Use highly traveled roads and highways.

• Keep family and friends informed of travel schedules and routes.

• Call local phone numbers or visit state websites to get information on road conditions

• Keep a winter weather survival kit in the vehicle. The kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water, energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel and matches.

• Travel with a charged cellphone.

• Change travel plans as weather conditions warrant.

If you do get stranded:

• Stay in your vehicle.

• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes an hour to stay warm.

• When the engine is running, open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe to help prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

• If it is dark outside, turn on the interior light so rescuers can see you.

• Put up a distress flag, or spread a large colored cloth on the ground to attract attention from rescuers.

Page 2 of 2 - Follow these important safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) in the aftermath of the storm:

Portable Generators

Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use.

Charcoal Grills and Camp Stoves

Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred when consumers burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

CO Alarms

Install carbon monoxide alarms immediately outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home to protect against CO poisoning. Change the alarms' batteries every year.

Electrical Safety

Stay away from any downed wires, including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage.

Candles

Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.

For more information and winter safety tips, please visit: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.listo.gov to find out how you can prepare your family for winter storms and other disasters.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability